Summary
Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicate an estimated 31,100 excess winter deaths occurred in England and Wales in 2012/13; representing a 29% increase compared with the previous winter. The Department of Health has linked the excess seasonal deaths to an unusually long influenza season and the prolonged period of unusually cold weather. Most deaths occurred in people aged 75 and over.
“In 2012/13 19.6% more people died in the winter months compared with the non-winter months, up from 15.5% in 2011/12. There were an estimated 31,100 excess winter deaths in England and Wales in 2012/13 – a 29% increase compared with the previous winter. As in previous years, there were more excess winter deaths in females than in males in 2012/13 (18,000 compared with 13,100), and the majority of deaths occurred among those aged 75 and over. There were 25,600 excess winter deaths in this older age group in 2012/13 compared with just 5,500 in people aged under 75”.
Read more: Excess Winter Mortality in England and Wales, 2012/13 (Provisional) and 2011/12 (Final) ONS.
Reference
Excess deaths rose by a third last winter. London: NHS Choices, November 27th 2013.
Reference
Excess Winter Mortality in England and Wales, 2012/13 (Provisional) and 2011/12 (Final). London: Office for National Statistics, November 26th 2012.
Winter Health Check (NHS England)
NHS England has launched the “Winter Health Check” service, offering weekly updates on how the NHS is handling winter pressures, with advice to the public on self-help.
Reference
NHS England launches winter health check. London: NHS England, November 15th 2013.
This relates to:
Reference
NHS England’s winter health check: the latest position on A&E, winter pressures and influenza for the week ending 15th November 2013 by NHS England. London: NHS England, November 15th 2013.
